What is Personal Protective Equipment and is your Employer Required to Pay for it?

Personal protective equipment is sometimes required to perform a variety of jobs. The term “personal protective equipment” refers to anything wearable that protects a person from bodily harm or injury. Personal protective equipment is used to protect people from physical harm, electrical harm, heat, chemicals, biohazards, and airborne matter. For example, a firefighter’s coat is considered personal protective equipment since it protects the wearer from extreme heat. A lab technician’s goggles are considered personal protective equipment since they protect the wearer from chemicals, and a construction worker’s helmet is considered personal protective equipment since it protects the wearer from falling items or debris.

The requirement for personal protective equipment spans industries and professional levels. It can prevent massive workplace injuries or even death. It is not something that should be taken lightly.

So now the question stands, who pays for the personal protective equipment? The wearer, or the employer?

As of 2008, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has required employers to provide and bear the cost of personal protective equipment that was necessary for protecting their workers from job-related injuries. Employers are also required to pay for replacement equipment, the only exception being when an employee loses or intentionally damages their equipment. This ruling extends to equipment that is required for the job, and not personal clothing items that are worn outside of work. For example, if you get a job in a factory that requires you to wear coveralls and protective goggles, your employer should be providing and paying for those overalls and goggles. They will not be paying for the jeans and t-shirt you wear under the coveralls. Those are considered personal clothing.

This 2008 ruling cost employers an extra $85 million in workplace expenses. That $85 million represents costs that no longer burden people within the workforce. If you go to work every day and risk injury, it is only right that your employer helps to ensure your safety by providing the necessary equipment to do that job safely.

Anything less would be like a car manufacturer expecting the buyers to supply their own seat belts.